I-Byte Utilities April 2021

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I-Bytes
Utilities
April Edition 2021
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Table of Contents
1. Financial, M & A Updates..................................................................................................................................1
2. Solution Updates.................................................................................................................................................5
3. Rewards and Recognition Updates..................................................................................................................10
4. Customer Success Updates...............................................................................................................................13
5. Partnership Ecosystem Updates......................................................................................................................16
6. Environment & Social Updates.......................................................................................................................33
7. Miscellaneous Updates.....................................................................................................................................52

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Financial, M & A
Updates Utilities Industry

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Financial, M&A Updates
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Iberdrola (Spain) acquires three onshore wind farms in Poland, reinforcing
commitment to this renewable energy market
Iberdrola has increased its renewable energy footprint in Poland, one of the company's new growth markets. The group has reached an
agreement with CEE Equity Partner to acquire three new onshore wind farms with a total capacity of 163 megawatts (MW). The production
from the facilities is largely already covered by 10-year power purchase agreements (PPAs). Two of the projects, with a joint capacity of
112.5 MW, are already operational, while the third one, with 50.4 MW capacity, will start construction shortly. The agreement reinforces
Iberdrola's commitment to Poland, strengthening the company's position to be at the forefront of the energy transition in the country. It
follows the recent acquisition of 70% of the developer Sea Wind, which has a pipeline of seven offshore projects with a potential capacity
of up to 7,300 MW. The transaction is in line with the Iberdrola's growth strategy in countries with an "A" rating and ambitious renewables
targets: Poland plans to have 23% of its energy mix from clean energy by 2030 and commission 8,000 MW of offshore wind capacity in this
decade. This new acquisition also boosts the company's renewables Baltic Sea Hub which will act as a centre for offshore and onshore
services, as well as providing local content for Iberdrola's projects in the Germany-Poland-Sweden axis. The Baltic has an offshore wind
development potential of 93,000 MW, of which 28,000 MW would be located in Polish waters.
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NextEra Energy (USA) Transmission completes acquisition of independent
transmission company
NextEra Energy Transmission, LLC, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy,
Inc. announced it has completed the previously announced acquisition
of GridLiance Holdco, LP and GridLiance GP, LLC (GridLiance)
from affiliates of Blackstone for approximately $660 million,
including the assumption of debt. GridLiance owns approximately
700 miles of high-voltage transmission lines and related equipment
with utility rates set by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
(FERC). The company's assets span three regional transmission
organizations and six states.
Executive Commentary
"We are pleased to have completed the acquisition of GridLiance
and welcome their team into the NextEra Energy family," said
chairman and CEO of NextEra Energy. "This acquisition furthers
our goal of creating America's leading competitive transmission
company and is consistent with our strategy of adding high-quality
regulated assets to our portfolio."
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Sempra Energy (USA) Announces Agreement to Sell Non-Controlling
Interest In Sempra Infrastructure Partners
Sempra Energy announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell a non-controlling, 20% interest in Sempra Energy's new business
platform, Sempra Infrastructure Partners, to KKR for $3.37 billion in cash. KKR is a leading global investment firm. This transaction values
Sempra Infrastructure Partners at approximately $25.2 billion, including expected asset-related debt at closing of $8.37 billion. announcement is
part of a series of integrated transactions originally announced in December 2020 that are intended to simplify Sempra Energy's non-utility
infrastructure investments under one self-funding platform, combining the strengths of Sempra LNG, a leading developer of liquefied natural gas
(LNG) export infrastructure, and IEnova (Infraestructura Energética Nova, S.A.B de C.V.), one of the largest private energy companies in Mexico
and a leading developer and operator of renewables and natural gas infrastructure in that country. This new platform is expected to create scale,
unlock portfolio synergies, highlight value and better position the business for growth. KKR will be making the investment through its Global
Infrastructure Investors Funds. KKR first established its Global Infrastructure strategy in 2008 and has since been one of the most active
infrastructure investors around the world with a team of more than 50 dedicated investment professionals. The firm currently has over $27 billion
in infrastructure assets under management and has made over 40 infrastructure investments across a range of sub-sectors and geographies.
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Southern (USA) Power acquires Deuel Harvest Wind Farm
Southern Power, a leading U.S. wholesale energy provider and subsidiary of
Southern Company, announced the acquisition of its 14th wind project — the
300-megawatt (MW) Deuel Harvest Wind Farm — from Invenergy, a leading
developer, owner and operator of sustainable energy solutions. Located in Deuel
County, South Dakota, Deuel Harvest was developed by Invenergy and utilizes
109 wind turbines manufactured by GE Renewable Energy. The project achieved
commercial operation Feb. 23, 2021. The electricity and associated renewable
energy credits (RECs) generated by the facility are being sold under two separate
power purchase agreements—a 25-year agreement with Great River Energy,
expected to commence January 2023, and a 15-year agreement with Xcel Energy,
expected to commence in October 2021. Southern Power will be the majority
owner. Invenergy will retain a minority ownership position, and Invenergy
Services, a subsidiary of Invenergy that provides end-to-end energy solutions for
asset owners, will operate and maintain the facility.
Executive Commentary
"We are pleased to announce the acquisition of our 14th wind project," said
Southern Power President. "Deuel Harvest is Southern Power's largest wind
project to date and will serve as an important piece of our growing renewable
portfolio."
Description
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Solutions Updates
Utilities Industry

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Solution Updates
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Alliant Energy (USA): Counting on the sun for another 400+ megawatts of
energy in Wisconsin
5
Solution Description
Alliant Energy announces plans to add another 414 megawatts (MW) of solar in Wisconsin. This rounds out the
company’s previously announced plan to accelerate its transition to clean energy by adding more than 1,000 MW of
solar while helping customers avoid more than $2 billion in long-term costs. Upon completion of their more than 1,000
MW of solar, Alliant Energy will own and operate the most solar energy in the state of Wisconsin. The six new projects
will be developed in mostly rural parts of Dodge, Grant, Green, Rock and Waushara counties. Once the projects are
operational, local communities will receive an estimated $50 million in shared revenues – for the next 30 years – to use
in a variety of ways, such as funding local fire departments, investing in school programs and upgrading park facilities.
Additionally, local landowners will receive a combined $60 million in lease payments over 30 years.

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Solution Updates
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Iberdrola (Spain) bolsters presence in Japan's offshore wind market with
new 600 MW project
6
Iberdrola has increased its commitment to the Japanese offshore wind market with a new 600-MW project, following the agreement
with local developer Cosmo Eco Power (a subsidiary of Cosmo Energy Holdings Co. Ltd.) and engineering firm Hitz to jointly
develop the Seihoku-oki project in Aomori prefecture, in the northwest of the country. The Seihoku-oki offshore wind farm, under
development, will enter round 2 of the capacity auction planned by the Japanese government between this year and 2022. Following
the transaction - subject to the usual regulatory approvals - the project will be led by Iberdrola and Cosmo Eco Power, with similar
voting rights, together with Hitz. The deal takes place six months after the acquisition of 100% of Japanese developer Acacia
Renewables - which has a 3,300-MW offshore wind pipeline in the south of the country. It is the company's sixth offshore wind
agreement since early 2020. Acacia Renewables has two offshore wind farms under development, with a combined capacity of 1,200
MW, which could be operational by 2028. It also has four other projects in the pipeline, with a total capacity of 2,100 MW. These six
projects will be developed by Iberdrola together with Macquarie's Green Investment Group (GIG).

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Solution Updates
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RusHydro (Russia) EV charging network links Vladivostok with Nakhodka
7
PJSC RusHydro announces commissioning of EV charging station in Fokino. It is the second charging station on the
federal highway between Vladivostok and Nakhodka. Now EV motorists can safely travel between the cities. This event
an important step in RusHydro’s project of linking major cities in the Far East for convenient travel. The Company
ultimately plans to develop an EV charging station network on the federal highway from Vladivostok to Moscow.
RusHydro currently operates 23 charging stations in the Far East located in Primorsky krai, Khabarovsk krai, Kamchatka
and in the Amur and Sakhalin regions. Battery top-up at RusHydro’s station takes a matter of minutes while full charge
requires less than half an hour. The station supports a range of charging connectors including Japanese and European.
Most stations allow for simultaneous charging of multiple cars. For convenience purposes, the charging stations are
located at the supermarket and shopping center parking lots, near the Company’s multi-function centers as well as at the
traditional gas stations.

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Solution Updates
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TXU Energy Launches New Plan with Automatic Savings for Electric
Vehicle Owners
8
TXU Energy, the leading provider of solutions designed to meet the needs of Texas electricity customers, announced the launch of
TXU Energy EV PassSM. The company's first plan designed specifically for electric vehicle owners gives customers 50% off all
energy charges every weeknight and all weekend long – providing automatic bill credits at times when customers are normally
charging their vehicles. By taking advantage of smart charging technology, TXU Energy is empowering customers to fill up their car
when it is most convenient for them, and for the grid. Plus, TXU Energy EV Pass goes the extra mile for the environment with 100%
renewable energy. TXU Energy EV Pass is designed with the understanding that life doesn't always happen on schedule. Whether
customers are charging their vehicles on weeknights or plugging in for discounted rates on the weekend, they're always getting the
full benefit of the plan. EV Pass provides additional peace of mind with a price-protected rate, all year long. With the launch of EV
Pass, TXU Energy continues to take the lead in innovative technologies and distributed energy solutions, including unique solar
solutions, thermostat and demand response programs, and tools like MyEnergy Dashboard, which allows customers to monitor their
personal consumption information anytime.

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Solution Updates
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We Energies (USA) and Wisconsin Public Service announce another
large-scale renewable energy project
9
We Energies and Wisconsin Public Service (WPS), subsidiaries of WEC Energy Group are advancing plans for a new 325-megawatt
(MW) solar and battery storage project. The Darien Solar Energy Center is the company's second proposed large-scale solar and battery
project announced this year. If approved, the $446 million Darien Solar Energy Center would feature 250 MW of solar generation, which
is equal to powering 75,000 homes, and 75 MW of battery storage, which can store solar-generated power and provide customers with
"sunshine after sunset." The project is planned to be built in Rock and Walworth counties, Wisconsin. Last month, the companies
announced plans for the 310-MW Paris Solar-Battery Park. If approved, the $426 million Paris project will be built in Kenosha County,
Wisconsin. The Darien and Paris projects are part of WEC Energy Group's plan to invest $2 billion in new solar, wind and battery storage
projects for its utilities by 2025. These clean energy investments are an important part of the company's goal to reduce carbon emissions
55 percent by 2025 and 70 percent by 2030. The companies filed the Darien solar and battery storage proposal this week with the Public
Service Commission of Wisconsin. If approved, WEC Energy Group utilities We Energies and Wisconsin Public Service would own 90
percent of the project. Madison Gas and Electric would own the other 10 percent.

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Rewards & Recognition

R & R Updates
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Aep (USA) Receives Gallup's Exceptional Workplace Award For Second
Consecutive Year
10
American Electric Power has received the 2021 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award, which recognizes organizations
with engaged workplace cultures. AEP was one of 39 companies selected to receive the award. Organizations that
administered Gallup’s Q12 employee engagement survey and met minimum criteria based on number of employees
were invited to apply for the award. Gallup assessed qualified applicants against criteria established by its employee
engagement meta-analysis and compared organizations to its database of the most productive and profitable
organizations in the world. Organizations in the top tier of the database qualified to win.
R&R Description

R & R Updates
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Exelon Teams (USA) Win EPRI 2020 Technology Transfer Awards For
Innovation
11
Three project teams led by Exelon engineers and innovators have been selected to receive the Electric Power Research
Institute’s (EPRI) 2020 Technology Transfer Awards, underscoring Exelon’s commitment to powering a cleaner and brighter
future for customers and communities. The annual EPRI Technology Transfer Awards spotlight the value of collaborative
research to the electricity sector and recognize the leaders and innovators who have applied EPRI research to produce
significant results for customers. This year, Exelon teams won three of 19 awards in the Power Delivery and Utilization sector
– a significant achievement. Exelon award winners are being honored for their leadership and innovation on collaborative
research and technology projects. The Exelon award winners, who were honored at a virtual celebration last week, have
shown exceptional application of research and technology in solving a problem of size and significance, championing a
technology both within their companies and across the industry, driving progress in the electricity sector, and providing
meaningful benefits for their companies’ stakeholders and for society.
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NTPC (India) conferred ‘Role Model’ award at 11th CII National HR Excellence
Award 2020-21
12
India’s largest integrated power generation company, NTPC Ltd has been conferred the prestigious ‘Role Model’ Award at the most
coveted and prestigious 11th CII National HR Excellence Award 2020-21. This award is the highest level of recognition in the field of
Human Resources by Confederation of Indian Industry. Since the institutionalization of CII National HR Excellence Award, this is the
only the second time when the award of Role Model has been conferred to any organization. Further, this award has been to any
organization given after a period of 10 years. Importantly, NTPC is the only PSU to have received this prestigious award. This signifies
NTPC’s unflinching commitment towards achieving excellence in development and management of Human Resources through
continuous process improvement, engagement and learning and development opportunities. The successful implementation of HR
practices is undoubtedly due to the untiring efforts and adherence to laid down norms by all employees of NTPC and commitment of the
senior management that focuses on holistic development and well-being of employees and stakeholders. The CII- National HR
Excellence Award is one of the most prestigious awards in the HR fraternity that identifies and recognizes companies for excellence in
HR practices after a rigorous fact-based assessment process conducted by a team of certified external assessors.
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Customer Success

Customer Success Updates
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Duke Energy (USA) Wells Fargo, NextEra Energy Resources join forces
on major solar expansion in North Carolina
13
Wells Fargo has become the latest large energy user to execute a renewable power agreement under Duke Energy’s
Green Source Advantage (GSA) program – building on the solar expansion in North Carolina. Wells Fargo will
purchase more than 58 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity from the Blackburn Solar project, a planned facility on 600
acres in Catawba County. It will be developed, owned and operated by a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources,
LLC. Subject to local and state approvals, the project is scheduled to come online as early as 2022. The power
generated will offset about 50 percent of the bank’s energy usage in the state. The Green Source Advantage program is
a result of 2017’s solar legislation in North Carolina. The GSA program allows large customers to offset their power
purchases by securing renewable energy from projects connected to the Duke Energy grid. The customer may keep the
renewable energy certificates (RECs) of the projects to satisfy sustainability or carbon-free goals.
Description

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Dominion Energy (USA) Awarded Utility Energy Service Contract for
Marine Corps Base Quantico
14
Dominion Energy has been awarded a 22-year, $47.9 million Utility Energy Service Contract (UESC) for Marine Corps Base (MCB) Quantico. The
Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Washington provided contracting and technical support, awarding this project 24 Sept
2020 on behalf of the Marine Corps Installations Command (MCICOM) supporting MCB Quantico. The project will bolster energy resiliency at MCB
Quantico, by installing new generators to support critical facilities via onsite microgrids during emergency operations. Additionally, it calls for
refurbishing an existing microturbine system which will reduce peak demand at MCB Quantico and reduce electric costs for the federal government.
Energy savings of $1.6 million annually are anticipated with equipment upgrades, HVAC repairs and LED lighting installations. Dominion Energy and
its subcontractor, Energy Systems Group, a nationally recognized energy service company, will provide operations, maintenance, repair & replacement
of the base's energy facilities for the life of the contract. The project's construction will be completed by 28 Feb 2023. The overall contract will last until
1 Mar 2044. The project is part of NAVFAC Washington's move to contract with utilities that have expertise in replacing, operating, and maintaining
energy infrastructure. NAVFAC Washington awarded the contract following a competitive bid process. ominion Energy, through its Federal Energy
Solutions team, has privatized 11 installations and provided multiple UESCs resulting in energy cost savings, improved reliability, resiliency and
efficiency for the federal government.
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Naturgy (Spain) is awarded the electricity supply for the Carmen Thyssen
Museum in Malaga
15
Naturgy, through its subsidiary Gas Natural Comercializadora SA, will supply electricity to the Carmen Thyssen Museum
in Malaga for the next twelve months. The energy multinational has been awarded this supply in the tender called by the
Palacio Villalón Foundation, which manages the museum space. The contract awarded, whose economic scope is
estimated at 150,000 euros, includes an annual supply volume of 1.4 GWh at the facilities of the Carmen Thyssen Museum
in Malaga. The energy multinational will supply in said contract 100% of the energy with redemption of guarantees of
origin (GDO's), as required by the call. This award joins the tenders won by Naturgy in the last year, among which the
contracts with Correos, Telefónica, the State Tax Administration Agency, the National Mint and Stamp Factory, Hotusa or
the Barcelona, Bilbao and Malaga subways stand out. the Murcia and Zaragoza trams, as well as the supply to the
Congress of Deputies, the Autonomous University of Madrid or the Higher Sports Council.
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Partner Ecosystem Updates
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SDA Bocconi School of Management and Enel X (Italy) partner to launch the
Monitor for Circular Fashion
16
SDA Bocconi School of Management and Enel X announced the launch of the Monitor for Circular Fashion, part of the SDA Bocconi
Sustainability Lab: an ambitious, first of its kind project, that will provide a picture of the maturity status of the circular economy in
the Italian Fashion Industry. The Monitor for Circular Fashion is willing to engage a representative cross-section of the Italian fashion
industry across the whole supply chain, in collaboration with the sustainability consultancy Eco-Age. Already, the initiative has been
joined by some of the industry’s key players that shared significant inputs, including Candiani Denim, Dedagroup Stealth, Intesa
(Gruppo IBM), Manteco, RadiciGroup, Save the Duck, Vibram, Vitale Barberis Canonico, Vivienne Westwood, and YKK. This
community of companies, chosen for their sustainability and circularity credentials in the Italian fashion industry, is already on a
virtuous path, sharing ideas on the opportunities and challenges of circularity. They are specifically focusing on applying best
practices to identify and develop new applicable and measurable circular solutions. One of the main points concerns the key role of
transparency and traceability in supply chains, seen as the way to substantiate the sustainability and circularity claims before all the
stakeholders, including consumers.
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Enel X (Italy) and V-Valley sign strategic partnership agreement for the
distribution of charging infrastructure
17
Enel X and Esprinet join forces for the rollout of charging infrastructure in Italy. In a move aimed at the SME market, Enel X and
V-Valley, the distribution arm of the Esprinet Group, have signed an agreement for the distribution throughout Italy of Enel X's JuiceBox,
JuicePole and JuicePump electric vehicle charging solutions for domestic, commercial and public use. The agreement makes V-Valley the
leading partner of Enel X for the distribution of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Italy. V-Valley will be in charge of distributing
Enel X's Juice range of e-mobility solutions, which set new standards in terms of technological sophistication, sustainability, convenience
and ease of use, safety, and design. With JuiceBox (recent winner at the Compasso d’Oro design awards), JuicePole and JuicePump,
V-Valley further opens up range of business opportunities to its customers. Enel X is aiming to increase its presence on the Italian market
and extend its portfolio of clients, and thanks to this agreement it can now draw on the commercial and technical know-how of V-Valley,
which will help it locate, profile and train new sales personnel all over Italy in the sale and installation of products. In addition, V-Valley
will provide Enel X with a dedicated team of marketing and sales professionals, resources for sales channel training, and a dedicated
marketplace with an exceptionally rich mix of complementary technologies.
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AES (USA) Indiana partners with NCAA and Indiana Sports Corp to power
championship practices and games with renewable energy
18
AES Indiana, a subsidiary of The AES Corporation announced it will help ensure all practices and games for the NCAA Division
I Men's Basketball Championship being hosted in Indianapolis are powered by renewable energy. AES Indiana will purchase
renewable energy credits (RECs) and apply them toward energy usage at Hinkle Fieldhouse, Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Lucas Oil
Stadium, Indiana Farmers Coliseum, and the Convention Center. It is estimated that, during the tournament, more than 2.1 million
kilowatt hours of energy will be used at the practice and game facilities combined. That is equivalent to the amount of energy it
takes to power approximately 2,200 households in Indiana for one full month. AES Indiana has provided safe, reliable, and
affordable energy to our customers for more than a century. The company is accelerating the transition to a greener energy future
and has diversified the portfolio to include conventional fuel sources and renewables and most recently prioritized major
investments to modernize the energy grid. Investments AES Indiana is making today, will allow the company to diversify our
electric generation portfolio, while still reliably serving our customers into the future.
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AGL (Australia) and Wärtsilä to develop hybrid energy systems for businesses
19
AGL has announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Wärtsilä to collaborate on the delivery
of large-scale hybrid energy systems to commercial and industrial customers. The agreement will allow the
development of systems which integrate renewable behind-the-meter and off-grid technologies to improve energy
efficiencies and supply. AGL Chief Operating Officer said AGL is excited to be developing these innovative systems
with Wärtsilä, which will provide customers with a broader range of options on their energy.
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OVO and AGL (Australia) in joint venture to put customers at the centre of the
energy transition
20
OVO, the UK’s leading zero carbon living brand, and AGL Energy Australia’s largest energy retailer and generator, announced an agreement to
bring cutting edge digital services to Australia. The collaboration gives AGL exclusive access in Australia to Kaluza, OVO’s advanced customer
experience and energy flexibility platform, which has been developed to power millions of customer accounts. Kaluza’s AI-enabled platform
delivers world-class tooling for retailers to transform their operations and provide customers with a rich digital experience and real-time energy
insights that help them reduce their bills. At the same time, Kaluza orchestrates the charging of electric vehicles, energy storage systems and other
flexible home devices to enable the shift to a low-carbon energy future. As part of the agreement, AGL will invest in OVO Energy Australia to
adapt the Kaluza platform for Australia and serve a growing customer base with innovative products and services. The companies will work
together, drawing on their expertise in low-carbon innovation and energy retail, to develop digital customer experiences that may ultimately help
support AGL’s customers who are looking to reduce their costs and carbon emissions. Australia has one of the highest levels of rooftop solar
generation in the world and ensuring grid stability is a priority as energy supply continues to decentralise. Kaluza’s advanced software is primed
to help towards solving these grid challenges by intelligently shifting device charging to times of lower demand.
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Alliant Energy (USA) partners with Perry on Iowa’s first customer hosted
solar project
21
Alliant Energy and the city of Perry have reached an agreement to install a 1-megawatt solar facility on a 7-acre site on
the western edge of the city. a lease for the project was approved during the City Council Meeting. By hosting the solar
facility, the city of Perry will receive significant revenue from lease payments for 25 years. The city will also obtain
renewable energy credits from the project to offset their greenhouse gas and carbon dioxide emissions and help them
progress toward their sustainability goals. The solar facility will be located on a remediated brownfield site that the city of
Perry has worked to put a renewable energy projecton for several years. With the Customer Hosted Renewables Program
in place, Alliant Energy’s solar proposal met the city’s guidelines, and the city’s goal to have clean energy generation on
the land will soon be a reality. Alliant Energy will oversee construction of the solar facility and will own, operate and
maintain it. There are no upfront, financing or other costs to the city of Perry. It is expected to be operational by mid-2022.
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Ameren (USA) Missouri and Emerson’s partner to give away energy-saving
smart thermostats
22
Ameren Missouri and Emerson’s partner to give away energy-saving smart thermostats, St. Louis’s consumers seeking to lower heating costs while doing their part
to reduce energy use now have a powerful tool. Emerson and Ameren Missouri are teaming up to give away Emerson’s Sensi smart thermostats to Ameren Missouri
customers. Through instant discounts and participation in the Peak Time Savings program, Ameren Missouri customers can get Emerson’s Sensi smart thermostat
at no cost other than the required sales tax. Participants can save on their bill while using top-rated technology that allows them to control their thermostat from
anywhere with a smartphone. Emerson’s Sensi smart thermostat – the first to be named an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year – can help customers save money
by heating and cooling homes more efficiently through features like flexible scheduling, remote access and geofencing to detect their smartphone’s location and
automatically adjust the temperature. The Sensi thermostat is easy to install and integrates with smart home platforms including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant,
Apple HomeKit and SmartThings. The Sensi thermostat giveaway is just one component of Ameren Missouri’s residential energy efficiency program. Customers
also have the power to save on LED lightbulbs, HVAC systems and other products that use less energy. Recipients of the Sensi smart thermostat must enroll in the
Peak Time Savings program. Peak Time Savings helps keep heating and cooling costs down for the customer and community while using cleaner energy and
keeping the customer in control. On the occasional peak hot days that create a heavier demand for energy, the program pre-cools your home which helps you stay
comfortable. Participants in the Peak Time Savings program receive a yearly bonus of $25 on their energy statements.
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All Points Broadband, Dominion Energy (USA) and the Pamunkey Indian Tribe Announce Agreement for
Fiber-to-the-Home Broadband Initiative to Serve the Pamunkey Indian Reservation in King William County
23
All Points Broadband, Dominion Energy Virginia, and the Pamunkey Indian Tribe announced that they have entered into a
Memorandum of Understanding to pursue delivery of fiber-to-the-home broadband access to the Pamunkey Indian
Reservation in King William County, Virginia, subject to regulatory approval. As it moves forward with efforts to modernize
Virginia’s energy grid, Dominion Energy Virginia is working to provide “middle-mile” fiber optic cable infrastructure that can
also be used to bridge the digital gap and reduce broadband deployment obstacles for internet service providers (ISPs). All
Points will lease the “middle-mile” fiber installed by Dominion Energy Virginia and will be the internet service provider for
the partnership. The Pamunkey Tribe will coordinate with All Points Broadband to ensure that fiber-to-the-home broadband
is available to the Pamunkey Reservation. Under the agreement, the Pamunkey Tribe will work with Dominion Energy
Virginia and All Points to develop an expanded network plan to be submitted to the State Corporation Commission for
approval and to secure additional funding to accelerate construction of the fiber-to-the-home network.
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FirstEnergy (USA) Announces Agreement with Icahn Capital
24
FirstEnergy Corp. announced that it has entered into an agreement with Icahn Capital to add two new members to the
company's Board of Directors. Following these additions, FirstEnergy's Board will have 14 directors. Under the terms of
the agreement, FirstEnergy will appoint Andrew Teno and Jesse Lynn, both of whom are employees of Icahn Capital, to
the Board effective March 18, 2021. FirstEnergy has also agreed to include Teno and Lynn on its recommended slate of
nominees for election at the company's upcoming 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. These appointments are subject
to certain regulatory approvals. Therefore, until regulatory approvals are received, the two Icahn Capital directors will not
have voting rights. The agreement includes provisions regarding voting, standstill restrictions, and other matters, and also
provides that Mr. Icahn and his associates will not exercise substantial influence or control over FirstEnergy or any of its
subsidiaries. The agreement will be filed by the company on a Current Report on Form 8-K with the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission.
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Iberdrola (Spain) and MAPFRE create a strategic alliance to invest together
in renewable energy in Spain
25
Iberdrola and MAPRE have created a new strategic alliance to make joint investments in renewable energies in Spain. The utility and the insurance
company have set up a pioneering co-investment vehicle to achieve their goals that includes 230 MW of green projects, both wind and solar
photovoltaic (PV), from the utility's portfolio. The agreement foresees adding more operating assets over time, as well as new renewable projects under
development from the energy company's pipeline, targeting 1,000 MW. MAPFRE is the majority shareholder in the vehicle with an 80% stake, while
Iberdrola holds the remaining 20% and is responsible for developing, building and operating the wind farms. The first 100 MW of operational assets,
located in Castilla y León, are split between two wind farms in Soria and Burgos. The 130 MW PV projects are being developed in Castilla-La Mancha,
in the province of Guadalajara, and are expected to be commissioned in the third quarter of 2022. The alliance combines the strengths and skills of two
leading companies, both of which are committed to the energy transition and the green economic recovery, job creation and Spain's industrial
transformation. Iberdrola has brought in a partner to develop its renewable growth plan and asset rotation strategy, while MAPFRE adds a global
renewable energy leader to its sustainable investments in Spain. To date, the insurance group was making all these investments in alternative assets
through real estate, infrastructure and private capital funds. At the end of last year, the Group completed its first infrastructure fund with Abante, raising
€300 million, and invested in Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets (MIRA) funds, the world's leading infrastructure group.
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Iberdrola (Spain) and the Ministry of Defence extend their collaboration in
research and training programmed
26
Iberdrola Chairman and Defence Chief of Staff (JEMAD), admiral general representing the Ministry of Defence, have signed a
collaboration agreement with the aim of developing research and training programmes covering a number of areas of interest for both
parties. The agreement ratifies the commitment on both sides to consolidate public/private R&D&i schemes to facilitate information
exchanges, enable institutions to equip themselves with new tools to improve the fulfilment of their function, and enhance the
competitiveness of businesses. This new accord includes the financing of educational activities, such as doctorates and masters, as
well as the implementation of new technologies to develop virtual teaching in the Armed Forces. The partnership is an extension of
the framework agreement signed by both organisations in 2015 through which various activities have been undertaken such as
seminars on the challenges of climate change for defence, and workshops analysing the role of the Armed Forces and their
collaboration with businesses in meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals as well as the role of professional women in the
Armed Forces and in civil society. In addition, a host of best practice exchange projects have been initiated with the Military
Emergencies Unit, providing mutual technical and logistical support, and emergency simulations.
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MOL, Kyushu Electric Power (Japan) Sign Basic Agreement for LNG Fuel Supply for
Japan's First LNG-Fueled Ferries: Sunflower Kurenai and Sunflower Murasaki
27
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) and Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc. announced that the companies have concluded a basic
agreement for the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to two LNG-fueled ferries operated by MOL Group company Ferry
Sunflower Limited (Ferry Sunflower) —the Sunflower Kurenai and the Sunflower Murasaki. LNG fuel supply is slated to begin
around the end of 2022 upon the delivery of the ferries, which are now under construction. Around 50 tons of LNG fuel per day will
be supplied via truck-to-ship* to these ferries berthed in Beppu Port (the northside wharf at the third pier) in Oita Prefecture. To speed
up the fuel supply process, pipes called "skid" will be connected to four tank trucks, allowing them to fuel the vessels simultaneously.
LNG fuel will be supplied to the tank trucks at the loading station of Kyuden Group company Oita Liquefied Natural Gas Company,
Inc. (Oita LNG). Niyac Corporation (Niyac) will transport and supply LNG fuel to the ferries and Oita Gas Co., Ltd. (Oita Gas) will
oversee safety during LNG bunkering. Meanwhile, Kyuden will sell LNG fuel to Ferry Sunflower through MOL Group company
MOL Techno-Trade, Ltd.. This system will link a series of well-prepared measures from loading to transport and supply and achieve
a safe and reliable supply of LNG fuel.
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PG&E (USA) and BMW Group Taking Next Step in Powering Electric Vehicles
with Renewable Energy and Supporting Grid Reliability
28
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and the BMW Group announced an expansion of their partnership focused on
smart charging electric vehicles (EVs) with excess renewable energy to support grid reliability. PG&E and the BMW Group
are kicking off phase three of their ChargeForward program. This new phase will expand the program to all BMW EV drivers
in Northern and Central California who are PG&E residential, electric customers. Designed for a larger group of BMW EV
drivers—about 3,000 EV drivers compared to 100 and 400 in phase one and two—phase three of the pilot will further explore
how incentivizing drivers to shift their EV charging times can help meet the needs of the electric grid and use excess
renewable energy available during the day. As part of this, PG&E will work with BMW to send signals to participants
encouraging them to charge at times that support the grid. Enrollment in phase three of the ChargeForward program kicks off
ny, with the program launching in mid-April and running through March 2023.
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Mubadala And Snam (Italy) Sign Mou To Explore Potential Opportunities To
Foster Hydrogen Development In The Uae
29
Mubadala Investment Company (Mubadala) and Snam, one of the world's leading energy infrastructure operators, have signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with the aim to collaborate on joint investment and development initiatives on hydrogen. As
part of the agreement, the two companies will carry out a number of assessment activities, including technical and economic
feasibility studies to explore potential projects and solutions to foster and promote hydrogen development in the UAE, and elsewhere
globally. The MoU was signed by Musabbeh Al Kaabi, Chief Executive Officer of UAE Investments at Mubadala Investment
Company (Mubadala), and Marco Alverà, Chief Executive Officer at Snam. The MoU reinforces the confidence of both Mubadala
and Snam in the commercial and technological potential of the hydrogen industry, as well as its capacity to accelerate the energy
transition. Snam was Europe's first company to test the injection of a blend of hydrogen and natural gas in its network, and it is
committed to get its infrastructure ready to transport increasing volumes of hydrogen. The company also set up a business unit fully
dedicated to the scouting for new technologies as well as developing new projects by teaming up with other partners to adopt
hydrogen in several industries such as railways and steel.
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UGI (USA) Companies Join Natural Gas Supply Collaborative
30
UGI Corporation announced that its wholly owned subsidiaries UGI Utilities, Inc. and UGI Energy Services, LLC have
joined the Natural Gas Supply Collaborative (NGSC). The UGI membership brings the number of companies
participating in NGSC to 17. NGSC is a voluntary organization of natural gas purchasers, including utilities and power
generators, whose members are committed to promoting safe and responsible practices for natural gas supply.
Collectively, NGSC members deliver enough natural gas to meet the needs of more than 60 million households. NGSC
provides technical expertise and guidance on gas supply initiatives and emerging technologies.
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Uniper (Germany) starts electricity trading with Japan
31
Uniper entered energy trading with Japan for the first time in March. A team of power traders and analysts from Uniper
Global Commodities, specially assembled for the Japan business, used the new segment of the European Power
Exchange (EEX) for several contracts with Japanese trading partners. Uniper sees great potential in the Japanese
market. At around 1,020 terawatt hours/year, electricity consumption in Japan is about twice as large as in Germany,
and the import demand for all energy commodities is enormous. The country has been slow to open up to global energy
trade. However, following a market reform in 2016, the volume of trading transactions has increased rapidly.
Short-term electricity trading alone has increased twenty-fold since then, from 50 gigawatt hours (GWh) to more than
1,000 GWh daily. The strong demand for energy, the stable political and regulatory environment, and the liquid
physical trading business make Japan an interesting market for Uniper.
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Groupe Renault, Veolia (France) & Solvay join forces to recycle end-of-life ev
battery metals in a closed loop
32
Groupe Renault, top automotive player, with Veolia, global leader in optimized resource management, and Solvay, leading science-based company, are
pleased to announce their partnership to enable the circular economy of EV battery metals in Europe through closed-loop recycling. The existing Veolia
and Solvay consortium, created in September 2020, is thus reinforced with Groupe Renault’s pioneering position and experience in circular economy
and in the life cycle of EV batteries, leading to a highly complementary partnership benefitting from Solvay’s expertise in the chemical extraction of
battery metals and Veolia’s 10 years of experience in lithium-ion battery dismantling and recycling via a hydrometallurgical process. With the number
of electric vehicles on the road expected to grow from 10 million in 2020 to over 100 million by 2030 worldwide, ensuring stable access to responsibly
sourced battery materials is a strategic challenge. In that respect, the three partners seek to establish a secure and sustainable supply source for strategic
battery metals, such as cobalt, nickel and lithium. The companies plan to achieve this goal by leveraging their respective expertise at each step of the
value chain – from collection of end-of-life electric vehicle batteries to dismantling, metal extraction and purification – and by enhancing existing
mechanical and hydrometallurgical battery recycling processes. Through Solvay and Veolia’s joint innovative technology, strategic metals that were
previously recovered in a form only suitable for metallurgical applications will be extracted and purified into high-purity metals ready to be reused in
new batteries, thereby reducing the environmental footprint of future EV batteries through this closed loop.
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Duke Energy (USA) awards $653,000 in education-related grants in Florida
33
Duke Energy is investing $653,000 in educational grants to empower students and educators in Florida. Twenty-three
grants, awarded from the Duke Energy Foundation, will enhance educational programs focused on science, technology,
engineering and math (STEM), as well as diversity, equity and inclusion awareness. Among this year’s recipients is the
Pinellas Education Foundation, which received $180,000 in continuing support of the STEM Academy Program. The
academy fosters STEM content knowledge and workforce skill development for students in grades 2-12 using an
extended school day and summer camp offerings. The program is free and open to any Pinellas County student,
focusing on under-represented, low-income and diverse students.
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Duke Energy (USA) to provide $500,000 in grants for North Carolina small
business revitalization
34
The pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for small businesses across North Carolina. To support community needs, the
Duke Energy Foundation announced $500,000 in funding to help local businesses – from restaurants to retailers – pivot to
accommodate the changing environment through the Hometown Revitalization Grant Program. Hometown Revitalization grants will
be awarded in 20 communities across the state. Each community will be awarded $25,000 through a partnership with a local
501c3-administering nonprofit. The administering nonprofit will establish a small business support microgrant program to deploy the
funding to their local small business community. Microgrants may range from $500 to $2,500 per individual business. The grant
application is open now through May 31 and is available at duke-energy.com/hometown. Grant decisions will be announced in
August. The Hometown Revitalization Grant Program is inspired by a recent collaboration with the Downtown Raleigh Alliance and
Duke Energy that provided nearly 100 grants to downtown Raleigh storefronts. The grants allowed these establishments the
opportunity to create outdoor seating and serving opportunities, develop e-commerce websites, repair window fronts, and upgrade
health and safety elements.
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Duke Energy (USA) awards $375,000 in grants to South Carolina tutoring
programs, education initiatives impacted by pandemic
35
Duke Energy announced the recipients of $375,000 in grants through the Duke Energy Foundation to South Carolina
organizations that will fund tutoring and reading programs in underserved and minority communities to combat
learning gaps created by the pandemic. The funds will also support environmental education programs for Title 1
schools and culturally relevant professional development, particularly as it pertains to racial equity in education. The
grants were awarded to 46 organizations across South Carolina. This summer, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pee Dee
will use grant funding to offer K-3 students the Raz-Plus Reading Program, a curriculum that seeks to improve
vocabulary, language fluency and reading comprehension among participants.
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Duke Energy (USA) donates nearly $35,000 to community and environmental
programs in Oklahoma
36
Duke Energy Foundation has awarded nearly $35,000 in grants through its Duke Energy Renewables fund to schools, community
enrichment programs and wildlife rescue organizations in Kay County, Washington County and Payne County, Okla. Duke Energy
Renewables grants were awarded to:
• City of Newkirk / Newkirk Youth Program – upgraded community athletic field; $2,860
• Kildare Public Schools – upgraded student classroom with smart board technology; $3,149
• Newkirk Public Schools – upgraded student classroom with smart board technology; $3,149
• Marland’s Place: Foster Family Services / Ponca City – to support toy drive; $1,500
• Nature’s Vein Wildlife Rescue – expansion of animal rescue enclosure; $10,000
• Sutton Avian Research Center – community education and eagle wildlife reserve camera; $12,500
• Newkirk FFA and 4-H Boosters program – resources for youth agricultural program; $1,000
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Duke Energy (USA) Foundation awards more than $311,000 in grants to
support K-12 education initiatives in 15 Indiana counties
37
The Duke Energy Foundation has awarded $311,246 in grants to 22 different K-12 education programs in 15 Indiana
counties for 2021. The grants support summer reading programs; energy, engineering and environmental education
programs; and programs that support under-represented, low-income or diverse audiences. The Foundation makes
these grants available through the company’s “Powerful Communities” program, which helps power the lives of
customers and the vitality of communities through charitable giving.
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Entergy (USA) Arkansas Gives More Than $1.7M Cash, In-kind Donations in
2020
38
Entergy Arkansas helped power stronger, healthier communities in 2020 by contributing $1,075,608 to nearly 90
nonprofit organizations statewide. Coupled with 23,501 hours of volunteer service last year, the total impact is
approximately $1.7 million. In addition to awarding grants, the 23,501 hours of volunteer service from Entergy
employees and retirees to a variety of charitable causes were valued at approximately $639,227. Additional
contributions supported broad-based initiatives ranging from education and workforce development, poverty solutions,
the arts and community improvement initiatives, aiding families and aging individuals, and environmental protection.
The funding is part of the Entergy Corporation and the Entergy Charitable Foundation contributions to nonprofit
organizations across the company’s service area and come from shareholder profits.
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Sanctuary Housing partners with Centrica (UK) to deliver heat pumps to 600
homes
39
Sanctuary Housing has launched a low carbon heating scheme in partnership with Centrica, to improve the energy
efficiency of some of its social housing properties. Between now and the end of October, nearly 600 properties across
the North, North West, Midlands, East and South West will have their existing heating systems replaced with low
carbon alternatives. Each property will be fitted with an air source heat pump, complete with a smart cylinder,
intelligent heating control, new radiators, and pipework. The exact specification will be tailored to suit a variety of one,
two, three and four-bedroom homes, with the aim of bringing them all up to an EPC rating of C or above. The project
is being funded by Sanctuary, the Renewable Heat Incentive and the Warm Homes Fund. The smart cylinder in each
property features full onboard monitoring, to measure the system’s performance and demonstrate that the requirements
for funding are being met.
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Centrica (UK) supports Army with first solar farm
40
Centrica is set to support the government’s commitment to meeting Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050, by installing
defence’s first photovoltaic solar farm at the British Army’s Defence School of Transport (DST), Leconfield. The solar
array is the first of four pilot sites delivered as part of Project PROMETHEUS to increase renewable energy across the
defence estate. Spanning approximately four hectares, Centrica Business Solutions started construction of the 2.3MW
solar farm earlier this year. Thirty employees are working on the project, installing 4,248 Trina Vertex panels, which is
predicted to supply the DST with one third of its electricity needs. Together, the four pilot sites will result in £1-million
in efficiency savings and reduce emissions by 2,000 tCO2e (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent) per year. These cost
savings will be reinvested into Army infrastructure and help to reach the Army’s ambition of Net Zero by 2045.
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DTE Energy (USA) Foundation gives more than $100,000 to help feed families
across Michigan
41
The DTE Energy Foundation announced it awarded more than $100,000 in grants to help Michigan emergency food
banks and providers – Feeding America West Michigan, Fishes & Loaves and Gleaners Community Food Bank – to
distribute meals and critical nourishment to Michiganders as food insecurity continues due to COVID-19. Within the
past year, the Foundation has awarded more than $2 million to address food insecurity. According to Feeding America
West Michigan, Mobile Food Pantry attendance increased by 64% in 2020. The DTE Foundation’s support empowers
nonprofits to meet the rise in demand; pantries have also used the funding to amplify their efforts and serve people in
need.
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FirstEnergy (USA): Toledo Edison Invests $7.7 Million in Tree-Trimming
Work to Help Minimize Impact of Severe Weather
42
Toledo Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. is conducting tree trimming and other vegetation management work
in communities across its northwest Ohio service area to help enhance service reliability for customers. This year's $7.7
million tree-trimming program will help keep power flowing to customers around the clock by preventing tree-related
outages, such as those that can occur during the spring and summer storm season. Since the beginning of the year, tree
contractors have trimmed trees along nearly 450 miles of electric lines across the greater Toledo area. The company's
program remains on track to complete an additional 1,100 miles of tree-trimming work by the end of the year. The tree
trimming is done on a four-year cycle. The program includes inspecting vegetation near the lines to ensure the trees are
pruned in a manner that helps preserve the health of the tree, while also maintaining safety near electric facilities. Trees
that present a danger or are diseased may be removed.
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FirstEnergy (USA): Toledo Edison Invests $7.7 Million in Tree-Trimming
Work to Help Minimize Impact of Severe Weather
43
The Illuminating Company, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. is conducting tree trimming and other vegetation management
work in communities across its northeast Ohio service area as part of its ongoing efforts to help enhance electric service
reliability. This year's $15.5 million tree-trimming program will help keep power flowing to customers around the clock by
preventing tree-related outages, such as those that can occur during the spring and summer storm season. On the ground,
contractors have trimmed trees along nearly 600 miles of power lines across The Illuminating Company's service area since
the beginning of the year. The company's program remains on track to complete an additional 1,800 miles of tree-trimming
work by the end of the year. As part of this process, helicopter aerial saws will be used in April to trim trees along
hard-to-access transmission corridors in the greater Cleveland area. Tree trimming is done on a four-year cycle. The work
includes inspecting vegetation near power lines to ensure trees are pruned to preserve the health of the tree, while also
maintaining safe clearances. Trees that present a danger or are diseased may be removed.
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FirstEnergy (USA): Ohio Edison Invests $22 Million in Tree-Trimming Work
to Help Minimize Impact of Severe Weather
44
Ohio Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. is conducting tree trimming and other vegetation management work in
communities across its 34-county service area in Ohio to help enhance service reliability for customers. This year's $22
million tree-trimming program will help keep power flowing to customers around the clock by preventing tree-related
outages, such as those that can occur during the spring and summer storm season. On the ground, contractors have
trimmed trees along nearly 1,200 miles of electric lines across the Ohio Edison service area. The company's program
remains on track to complete an additional 3,850 miles of tree-trimming work by the end of the year. As part of this
process, helicopter aerial saws will be used in April to trim trees along hard-to-access transmission corridors in northeast
Ohio. Tree trimming is done on a four-year cycle. The program includes inspecting vegetation near the lines to ensure the
trees are pruned in a manner that helps preserve the health of the tree while also maintaining safety near electric facilities.
Trees that present a danger or are diseased may be removed.
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PG&E (USA) to Contribute $1.25 Million to Nonprofits Supporting
COVID-19 Response
45
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) announced it will contribute $1.25 million in 2021 to nonprofit organizations assisting
vulnerable individuals, families and communities, as well as small businesses, as they cope with the ongoing impacts of the
COVID-19 pandemic. Contributions will support nonprofits focused on food insecurity, support for minority- and women-owned
small businesses, general community relief, utility bill assistance, and youth programming. PG&E's continuing support for the
customers and communities it serves builds on the $1 million in funding provided to nonprofits supporting COVID-19 relief in 2020
from PG&E and the PG&E Corporation Foundation. This year's funding includes $500,000 to support minority- and women-owned
small business restaurants in partnership with the California Restaurant Foundation. The fund will provide one-time grants to help
keep restaurant staff employed and stabilize operations. PG&E's contribution also includes $200,000 to the California Association of
Food Banks (CAFB) to help feed vulnerable community members through the CAFB's Rapid Response Fund. Established last year
in response to the pandemic, the Rapid Response Fund provides critical support for food banks to increase their capacity to purchase
food and supplies, and to supplement their staffing needs through the pandemic and future emergencies.
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SoCalGas (USA) Launches 2021 Fueling Our Communities Program to Support
Disadvantaged Communities in Los Angeles County
46
Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) in conjunction with eight regional charity organizations launched the 2021 Fueling Our
Communities program to help feed individuals experiencing food insecurity. This year's program will provide free meals, groceries, and
restaurant gift cards to thousands of individuals from 20 underserved communities across Los Angeles County. The program, which is funded
by a $325,000 donation from the utility, will also help stimulate local small businesses and is expected to last through the spring. The first
event under this program was hosted over the weekend at Compton's Woodley Airport. SoCalGas, the Human Services Association,
Assemblymember Mike Gipson, and Compton Councilwoman Tana McCoy, partnered to provide meal kits, groceries and gift cards from
local restaurants to community members in need. Last summer, the Fueling Our Communities program provided nearly 40,000 meals to
seniors, students, farm workers, and families. The program also provided business to approximately 100 local restaurants and distributed
almost 8,000 gift cards totaling more than $162,000. SoCalGas is dedicated to supporting the health, safety, and wellness of our community.
In addition to supporting the Fueling Our Communities events, the utility has donated more than $4 million to nonprofit organizations to
support the region's workforce, feed the hungry, provide bill assistance to customers, and more as part of COVID-19 recovery efforts.
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Southern (USA) California Gas Company Sets Bold Net Zero Emissions Pledge
47
Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas), the largest gas utility in the U.S., announced the company's bold commitment to achieve net
zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in its operations and delivery of energy by 2045. This commitment makes SoCalGas the largest
gas distribution utility in North America to set a net zero target including scopes 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions, which would eliminate not
only its own direct emissions, but also those generated by customers' energy delivered by SoCalGas' energy infrastructure. SoCalGas'
commitment aligns with the Paris Climate Agreement's recommendations and reflects the company's focus on supporting California with
a resilient gas grid through the energy transition to support a carbon neutral economy. SoCalGas, which serves nearly 22 million residents,
representing half the state's population, has a long record of emissions reduction progress in support of California's environmental goals.
This includes implementing energy efficiency programs, delivering increasing amounts of carbon-negative renewable natural gas (RNG),
and developing zero-carbon hydrogen technologies, among others. These efforts have resulted in carbon reductions of over 3.2 million
metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), the equivalent of removing more than 700,000 passenger vehicles off the road for an
entire year.
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SoCalGas (USA) Provides $50,000 in Grant Funding to Support Minority
Students in the San Gabriel Valley and Inland Empire
48
Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) announced its donations to the Society of Extraordinary Women (SOEW) and The Pasadena
Delta Foundation, Inc. (PDF) with $25,000 grants respectively to provide supplies and services to aid female high school and college
minority students pursuing an education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The $25,000 grant provided to
SOEW will help expand its Ignite Leadership and STEM Academy program, which encourages middle through high school female
students to pursue careers in STEM and GIS, to the Inland Empire. Through this grant, students without internet services were
provided access to Spectrum internet and those without access to a computer received notebooks and writing supplies. Additionally,
the funds were also used to provide stipends for participating teachers and for the hiring of program coordinators. The PDF STEM
Scholarship program is designed to assist deserving students currently enrolled in a four-year college with a STEM field major by
providing scholarships for the completion of their degree, and to further enhance their competitiveness in the workforce. The $25k
grant will provide five students with $5,000 scholarships that will be used towards tuition, living expenses, school supplies, study
materials and additional courses to further their education.
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Southern Company (USA) expects to achieve interim greenhouse gas emissions
(GHG) reduction goal significantly ahead of schedule
49
The Southern Company system reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 52% from its 2007 benchmark levels, exceeding
its 2030 goal to reduce GHG emissions by 50%. The intermediate 2030 goal is part of the system's target to achieve net zero
GHG emissions by 2050. While emissions reductions may fluctuate around 50 percent the next few years depending on
demand, weather and other factors, the system expects to sustainably achieve 50% reduction or greater by 2025, if not sooner.
Southern Company's reduced GHG emissions are indicative of the accelerating pace of decarbonization across the system. In
2018, GHG emissions were 35% below 2007 levels and further improved to a 44% reduction in 2019. The 52% reduction in
2020 reflects lower utilization of the system's coal generating fleet partially influenced by lower demand due to mild weather
and the COVID-19 pandemic. For 2020, coal decreased to 17% of the system's annual energy supply, while renewables grew
to 15%. This compares to 69% coal and 1% renewables in 2007. When aggregating both renewables and nuclear, nearly
one-third of the system's energy supply came from zero carbon resources in 2020.
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Southern (USA) Georgia Power Foundation highlights $1 million investment in
water grants this World Water Day
50
The Georgia Power Foundation in honor of World Water Day is highlighting $1 million in environmental grants awarded to eight organizations throughout the state. World Water Day is about
recognizing the true value of water and protecting this vital resource. The grants are funding projects focused on preserving and restoring Georgia's waterways, lakes and rivers. The eight organizations
that received grants and the associated counties are:
• Southeastern Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (Habersham) for Hillabahatchee Creek Restoration and Restoring the Riverbank Zone in the Soque River Watershed. This project will work
with a local farmer to address impairments while improving the riverbanks' health and spring flow on the property, which will protect 14 acres of wetlands zone and five springs.
• Chattooga Conservancy, Inc. (Rabun)for Rabun County Agricultural Best Management Practice Project, Green Infrastructure Project, and Warwoman Creek Pollution Mitigation Project. This
project focuses on reducing sediment and bacteria inputs into the stream and removing impervious pavement within Stekoa Creek's 50-foot buffer zone as well as installing rain gardens, tree islands
and sections of permeable pavement to mitigate the stormwater pollution into the creek.
• Environmental Community Action, Inc. (Fulton) for Stormwater Capture and Reuse for Proctor Creek Water Quality Improvements and Potable Water Conservation at Spelman College, Atlanta,
Georgia. This project focuses on reducing flooding risk in and around Proctor Creek communities in downtown Atlanta, which will reduce public health risks, property destruction and pollution.
• Trees Atlanta, Inc. (Fulton) for Green Streets and Clean Streams – Building Streetside Green Infrastructure for Atlanta Communities. This project will utilize grant funds to design, install and
monitor the effectiveness of twelve stormwater tree planters sited at distinct residential locations in Atlanta.
• Nature Conservancy, Inc. (Murray) for Removing Barriers to Aquatic Connectivity in the Holly Creek Subwatershed of the Conasauga River. This project will result in habitat improvement,
increased populations of local fish and resilience of these populations to localized impacts.
The Georgia Power Foundation's philanthropy strategy focuses on three core pillars: Empowering Education, Empowering Environment and Empowering Communities. The Waters for Georgia
program is a new, signature program identified under the Environment pillar.
Description

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PSEG (USA) Foundation to allocate $1M in grants to three HBCUs
51
The PSEG Foundation announced Friday that it will allocate $1 million in grant funding to three historically Black
colleges and universities: Hampton University, Howard University and North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State
University. This funding will provide qualifying students an opportunity to attend prestigious universities and pursue
their studies in STEM education. Through these grants, the PSEG Foundation hopes to help diversify the science,
technology, engineering and mathematics workforce by providing underrepresented students access to STEM
education and generating a pipeline of competitive and capable talent for the future workforce, as well as the next
generation of scientific and policy leaders in environmental science, sustainability and social justice.
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Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous Updates
IT Shades
Engage & Enable
E.ON (Germany) recruiting for 100 new roles to support the successful Local
Authority Delivery element of the Green Homes Grant scheme
52
E.ON is recruiting for up to 100 new permanent roles including electricians and roofers as well as safety assessors and customer
service staff to support its ongoing successful delivery of the Local Authority Delivery (LAD) element of the Government’s Green
Homes Grant (GHG) scheme. E.ON welcomes the Government’s recently announced reallocation of funding into the LAD element
of the GHG and is already working with around a dozen council partners as part of the scheme, providing low carbon heating and
energy efficiency improvements for as many as 4,400 eligible households, completely free of charge. Contracts already underway, in
the North East and North West of England and across the Midlands, will give those customers about £30 million of lifetime bill
savings, reducing carbon emissions by around 220,000 tonnes – the equivalent of taking 50,000 cars off the road each year. The new
roles include positions in the administration of the various projects such as planning, customer support and project management, as
well as the more specific technical positions including electrical installers, roofers, Gas Safe assessors and Health and Safety support.
E.ON also expects its supply chain partners and sub-contractors to see similar growth as they support the projects.
Description

Miscellaneous Updates
IT Shades
Engage & Enable
Joppa Power Plant to Close In 2022 As Company Transitions to A Cleaner
Future
53
Vistra and its subsidiary, Electric Energy, Inc., are announcing the retirement of the Joppa Power Plant by Sept. 1, 2022,
three years earlier than previously disclosed. The revised closing date is part of an agreement Vistra has reached in order
to settle a complaint brought by the Sierra Club in 2018 before the Illinois Pollution Control Board concerning allegations
of environmental exceedances occurring prior to Vistra's ownership. Due to the mounting financial and legal pressures that
now come from operating coal plants, the company is renewing its call for passage of the Illinois Coal to Solar and Energy
Storage Act to facilitate Vistra's $550-million repurposing of coal plant sites across central and southern Illinois. Vistra is
in the process of working with the plant's local union leadership and will honor the plant's locally negotiated commitments
regarding severance and outplacement benefits, as well as wages, health care, and other benefits during the remainder of
operations. Vistra strives to provide workers and communities with as much advanced notice as possible ahead of a plant
retirement and to be a part of the transition to a new future.
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